Gateway degree gives experienced businesswoman the leverage to gain career advancement
Jennifer Galek’s Gateway experience has helped her leverage her previous job experiences to increase career growth.
Jennifer owned, operated and sold her own telecommunications company, started up and ran a small non-profit sports group and served on the board for an area chamber of commerce. She also served as a volunteer EMT at an area fire department.
On paper, she seemed poised for a solid payday and even more responsibility. However, a lack of a college degree created a glass ceiling to the growth she sought.
“It was challenging to experience a high-paying job,” says Jennifer. “I am a very ambitious person and I had nothing to show for all of my experiences. I was being utilized by companies but they weren’t willing to value me because I didn’t have a formal education.
“Employers would say ‘You are a golden nugget – but I’m not willing to pay you what you are worth. I don’t have to because you don’t have a degree. You won’t be getting a raise and you probably won’t be promoted, either.’ That’s why I enrolled in college. I want a career that I can’t have right now.